Manly Robert ("Wagon Train") Horton plays a hustler who is engaged to an elegant Vassar-type beauty while still seeing his old girlfriend (Fay Spain), a bohemian writer who no longer lives up to what he has in mind for his future -- even though she has been paying all his bills. When he reveals he's leaving her to marry the Vassar babe, she swears he never will marry the gal. And she means it. He decides to take drastic action. The ending is priceless. Horton and Spain were well matched in their scenes. The plot is not exactly new, but it will keep you in suspense. And the ending will leave you gasping. By the way, and fr what its worth, Spain is a timeless beauty who died much too young..
11 Reviews
"A drive to the beach might be the best thing for both of us."
classicsoncall17 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Quite the shrewd little chapter play here. Hunky Robert Horton portrays an opportunistic young man who's dumping his long time girlfriend (Fay Spain) for a new lover (Joyce Meadows) he intends to marry. Nothing new here, except that Leslie Lenox (Meadows) has no intention of giving up without a fight. With former boyfriend in tow, Leslie and Brad Taylor (Horton) head off for a day at the beach, a day that will not end well for the possessive woman. As it turns out, the day doesn't end well for Brad either, as the authorities show up at his door to inquire about the death of a young woman. The only surprise here, and it's a good one, is that Brad is arrested for the murder of the wrong person! But still, if the shoe fits....
"Your honor...I couldn't have killed that woman as I was busy killing another woman at that same time!"
planktonrules2 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
"The Last Dark Step" is a very good episode of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and is well worth seeing.
It begins with Brad getting engaged to a society woman...which seems just fine until you realize that he is a user. He's marrying her for money and a place in society...and all the while he was dating her, he was being kept by another woman! But now he has a problem, the woman who's been paying him to live in the style to which he's become accustomed isn't about to let her investment go. So what is Brad to do? He can't have both and must make some sort of choice. But if he tries to marry the first woman, the second is surely going to do everything she can to upset these plans.
The expression "It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy" certainly comes to mind with this episode. Brad is a complete jerk, user and sociopath...and seeing him get his just desserts alone is reason to watch.
It begins with Brad getting engaged to a society woman...which seems just fine until you realize that he is a user. He's marrying her for money and a place in society...and all the while he was dating her, he was being kept by another woman! But now he has a problem, the woman who's been paying him to live in the style to which he's become accustomed isn't about to let her investment go. So what is Brad to do? He can't have both and must make some sort of choice. But if he tries to marry the first woman, the second is surely going to do everything she can to upset these plans.
The expression "It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy" certainly comes to mind with this episode. Brad is a complete jerk, user and sociopath...and seeing him get his just desserts alone is reason to watch.
Outstanding episode
mlh19635 June 2019
I really like most of the AHP episodes. Even the 'worst' are still well worth watching for the most part. 'The Last Dark Step' however is among my personal favorites. Imagine if you had to cram a movie length story about a cheating ne'er-do-well, his manipulative, 'ex' girlfriend, and naive girlfriend. It would probably feel rushed; the story and characters would be hard to develop. Not with TLDS. They absolute nail it and throw in an excellent ending that I didn't see coming.
A Triangle that Bites
dougdoepke2 January 2011
Vintage Hitchcock. Handsome Brad (Horton) proposes marriage to sloe-eyed Janice (Meadows), except he's already the kept-man of the fierce Leslie (Spain) who's not going to let him go. Brad's got himself in a bind since neither woman is anyone to mess with. So what's he going to do now.
Small cast gets the most out of the material. Spain is almost scary as the fiercely possessive screenwriter. Her scene with the straying Brad amounts to a rare portrait of a small woman's assertive dominance over a macho man. The question is whether Brad will accept this humiliation in return for a lavish lifestyle.
Beefcake star Horton gets to bare his manly chest in the type role that made hearts throb on TV's mega-hit Wagon Train. At the same time, it's too bad the fine actress Spain died young. Together, their scenes are exceptionally convincing. Anyway, the upshot is appropriately ironical, just the sort that has kept the series in perpetual re-runs.
Small cast gets the most out of the material. Spain is almost scary as the fiercely possessive screenwriter. Her scene with the straying Brad amounts to a rare portrait of a small woman's assertive dominance over a macho man. The question is whether Brad will accept this humiliation in return for a lavish lifestyle.
Beefcake star Horton gets to bare his manly chest in the type role that made hearts throb on TV's mega-hit Wagon Train. At the same time, it's too bad the fine actress Spain died young. Together, their scenes are exceptionally convincing. Anyway, the upshot is appropriately ironical, just the sort that has kept the series in perpetual re-runs.
Brilliant dark step
TheLittleSongbird7 August 2023
Herschel Daugherty's 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' output was uneven, though it was not hard to see why he was one of the series' most regular directors as most of his previous episodes ranged between decent and outstanding. He directed some outstanding episodes, with "The Creeper" and "Little White Frock" being two of my favourite episodes of the series, but he was also responsible for one of the series worst and its oddest "Sylvia". Had no doubt that "The Last Dark Step" would be at least good, with a premise this good.
"The Last Dark Step" didn't disappoint at all. It is a premise that is very 1940s Hitchcock-like and is executed in a way that is very Hitchcockian, despite it not being directed by him. As far as Season 4 goes up to this point, which has generally been solid, "The Last Dark Step" is one of the best along with "Poison" and "The Crooked Road". And it is one of the best Daugherty-directed 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes along with "The Creeper" and "Little White Frock".
Everything works. It is impeccably acted, with Robert Horton giving his best guest turn of the series with him expertly making his character as detestable as possible while also giving him a little sympathetic edge at points. Which is why his character is so interesting. Fay Spain is alluring and charming with strong chemistry with Horton. Daugherty's direction never tries to do too much while keeping the drama tight and not letting the suspense levels drop.
Moreover, the story is constantly intriguing and is incredibly atmospheric in a suspenseful way. The ending is completely unpredictable and is absolutely priceless. The production values are slick and atmospheric enough and Hitchcock's bookending is suitably droll in writing and delivery as per usual. Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" is a great choice for the theme music.
All the script is tight and intriguing, nothing feeling soapy or unnecessary.
Summing up, brilliant. 10/10.
"The Last Dark Step" didn't disappoint at all. It is a premise that is very 1940s Hitchcock-like and is executed in a way that is very Hitchcockian, despite it not being directed by him. As far as Season 4 goes up to this point, which has generally been solid, "The Last Dark Step" is one of the best along with "Poison" and "The Crooked Road". And it is one of the best Daugherty-directed 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes along with "The Creeper" and "Little White Frock".
Everything works. It is impeccably acted, with Robert Horton giving his best guest turn of the series with him expertly making his character as detestable as possible while also giving him a little sympathetic edge at points. Which is why his character is so interesting. Fay Spain is alluring and charming with strong chemistry with Horton. Daugherty's direction never tries to do too much while keeping the drama tight and not letting the suspense levels drop.
Moreover, the story is constantly intriguing and is incredibly atmospheric in a suspenseful way. The ending is completely unpredictable and is absolutely priceless. The production values are slick and atmospheric enough and Hitchcock's bookending is suitably droll in writing and delivery as per usual. Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" is a great choice for the theme music.
All the script is tight and intriguing, nothing feeling soapy or unnecessary.
Summing up, brilliant. 10/10.
Brad's got a sugar momma!/Playing for keeps
glitterrose20 July 2022
Again, I adore Robert Horton's appearances on Alfred. I'm not sure if it's on purpose or just strokes of luck that a couple of Robert's episodes have his character living off a woman. I sometimes watch Wagon Train...especially if the episodes center on Flint (Robert's character on the series) and it kinda confuses me when Robert Horton passed away a few years ago that you didn't have media publications like TV Guide at least writing something in their magazine about him. He was a good actor and deserved the appreciation/spotlight imo.
Anyway, our episode features on three characters. Brad and Leslie aren't the best people in the world and you can see that by the plans they have for each other. Our third character is Janice.
Brad has been in a relationship with Leslie and been living off her. Brad's ready to move on. He's found a new love in Janice. But Leslie's not happy about that at all. Leslie goes into attack mode when it concerns Janice and she also goes into attack mode when it concerns how Leslie's willing to live a smaller/less expensive lifestyle so Brad's the one getting the perks out of the relationship. Janice wouldn't do that for you.
But this doesn't stop Brad. He sees only one way to get rid of somebody like Leslie and it's of course what you'd expect on this series. He kills her. But Leslie has done something that Brad's gonna end up on the hook for. Leslie has killed Janice and she's done it with Brad's knife!
Brad's really into it now. Detectives are at his place and he's completely in the dark about Janice's death. He thinks they're talking about Leslie! They clear that up and reveal they're talking about Janice. Brad's in shock by all of this as the episode ends. The ending is pretty interesting as you see just how trapped Brad is. Brad's about to confess that he was on the beach and he cuts himself off as he realizes Leslie's corpse will be at that beach. So Brad's truly gonna go down, whether it's a set up murder or the murder he truly committed.
I'd highly recommend this one as well, terrific writing and acting!
Anyway, our episode features on three characters. Brad and Leslie aren't the best people in the world and you can see that by the plans they have for each other. Our third character is Janice.
Brad has been in a relationship with Leslie and been living off her. Brad's ready to move on. He's found a new love in Janice. But Leslie's not happy about that at all. Leslie goes into attack mode when it concerns Janice and she also goes into attack mode when it concerns how Leslie's willing to live a smaller/less expensive lifestyle so Brad's the one getting the perks out of the relationship. Janice wouldn't do that for you.
But this doesn't stop Brad. He sees only one way to get rid of somebody like Leslie and it's of course what you'd expect on this series. He kills her. But Leslie has done something that Brad's gonna end up on the hook for. Leslie has killed Janice and she's done it with Brad's knife!
Brad's really into it now. Detectives are at his place and he's completely in the dark about Janice's death. He thinks they're talking about Leslie! They clear that up and reveal they're talking about Janice. Brad's in shock by all of this as the episode ends. The ending is pretty interesting as you see just how trapped Brad is. Brad's about to confess that he was on the beach and he cuts himself off as he realizes Leslie's corpse will be at that beach. So Brad's truly gonna go down, whether it's a set up murder or the murder he truly committed.
I'd highly recommend this one as well, terrific writing and acting!
Horton's Best Hitchcock Appearance
jawlaw22 February 2017
I have always been a fan of Robert Horton and regret that he became typecast as a Western star as a result of his "Wagon Train" success. Before his tenure on that show, he did a lot of interesting work outside of the Western genre. Apparently, Hitchcock saw in him a lot of potential and used him in seven episodes of the show.
This is his best appearance. In it he is no "Flint McCullough" but rather a user and a gigolo. Heroes are a dime a dozen, but good heavies are worth their weight in gold. Horton proves he can be both hero and heavy in this role. This story is essentially a deadly love triangle built around two people who struggle to be more controlling and manipulative than the other. Without giving away anything, we do find that last laughs are best. This is one of the all time classic endings to any episode. The only episode with a more twisted ending than this one is "Final Escape" which, in this writer's opinion, was the zenith of all such endings. This one is a close second. If you are a fan of the show, this one is a "must see."
This is his best appearance. In it he is no "Flint McCullough" but rather a user and a gigolo. Heroes are a dime a dozen, but good heavies are worth their weight in gold. Horton proves he can be both hero and heavy in this role. This story is essentially a deadly love triangle built around two people who struggle to be more controlling and manipulative than the other. Without giving away anything, we do find that last laughs are best. This is one of the all time classic endings to any episode. The only episode with a more twisted ending than this one is "Final Escape" which, in this writer's opinion, was the zenith of all such endings. This one is a close second. If you are a fan of the show, this one is a "must see."
2 for the price of 1
sol121827 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
***SPOILERS*** Robert Horton who has one of the most perfect and fullest heads of hair I've even seen, it's not even mussed up when he dunks it underwater, plays this sleazy gigolo Brad Taylor who after being taken care of by his rich and somewhat unstable girlfriend Leslie Lenox,Fay Spain, plans to dump her for high society gal , she's a Vassar graduate, Janice wright, Joyce Meadows.
Knowing that Leslie won't stand for him dumping her Taylor devise a plan to murder her and make it look like an accident. Getting Leslie to go to her beach house together with him for the weekend Taylor after taking a dip with Leslie in the Pacific Ocean punches her out and ends up drowning the poor woman. Back at his pad Taylor is not really that surprised when he finds two L.A defectives Breslin & Langler, Herbert Ellis & David Carlile, waiting for him there. Taylor knows that they found Leslie's body and also knows that he has an air tight alibi in him not being anywhere near where she was found! As it turned out that alibi of him being nowhere near the beach house or the beach was to prove fatal for him!
***SPOILERS*** Not realizing just how far Leslie would go to keep him all to herself Taylor totally underestimated how determined and possessive she was. And as it turned out it was the murdered Leslie Lenox who from beyond the grave made Taylor pay for what he did to her. In having him implicated, with his own words as well as the murder weapon, for a murder that he didn't commit!
Knowing that Leslie won't stand for him dumping her Taylor devise a plan to murder her and make it look like an accident. Getting Leslie to go to her beach house together with him for the weekend Taylor after taking a dip with Leslie in the Pacific Ocean punches her out and ends up drowning the poor woman. Back at his pad Taylor is not really that surprised when he finds two L.A defectives Breslin & Langler, Herbert Ellis & David Carlile, waiting for him there. Taylor knows that they found Leslie's body and also knows that he has an air tight alibi in him not being anywhere near where she was found! As it turned out that alibi of him being nowhere near the beach house or the beach was to prove fatal for him!
***SPOILERS*** Not realizing just how far Leslie would go to keep him all to herself Taylor totally underestimated how determined and possessive she was. And as it turned out it was the murdered Leslie Lenox who from beyond the grave made Taylor pay for what he did to her. In having him implicated, with his own words as well as the murder weapon, for a murder that he didn't commit!
Checkmate!
Hitchcoc14 July 2013
This has all the elements of a true Hitchcock mystery. We have a man who would like to start fresh, begin a romance with a young, innocent (but rich) woman. Unfortunately for him, he has baggage up to here, most notably a sugar momma relationship with a woman writer who has him in the palm of her hand. She knows what he is and she is not going to let her go. Forward to a murder plot. He has confronted this woman and she has said she will do anything it takes to keep him on her leash. He acquiesces for the moment, but decides to take her to an ocean front property and kill her. Everything plays out nicely, but then comes the kicker. In true Hitchcock style, things never quite go the way they could have. Robert Horton is sympathetic enough for us to root for him, but his past is his past and that is going to stack the deck.
THE CASE OF THE VASSAR WRAPPED BON BON
tcchelsey3 November 2023
This would have been an interesting case for Perry Mason, but Hitchcock gives it a try.
Handsome Robert Horton plays Brad, one of those works of art who shamelessly juggles his life between two women. Of course, one of them (played by Fay Spain) is paying all the bills and listening to his baloney. Brad's plan is to simply dump her and go with the other. Period and no regrets.
There's only one Hitch, and pardon the pun. Leslie (Spain) is not so willing to let him go, and claims there will be dire consequences. Joyce Meadows plays Janice, his other love, who also plays for keeps.
Watch what happens, if you dare.
A fabulous tale, written by William Jerome Fay, who shot to fame after he wrote the "Man From the South" story starring Peter Lorre and Steve McQueen. Remember? He penned 14 solid episodes for the master of suspense.
Fay Spain, who began her career as a card dealer in Reno, was the queen of 50s cult films, later in many top tv shows. In the 70s, best remembered as Mrs. Roth in the GODFATHER, PART II. Fay is a knockout in this role, perhaps her best part ever on tv.
Great late night soap opera material. SEASON 4 EPISODE 18 remastered dvd box set. 2008.
Handsome Robert Horton plays Brad, one of those works of art who shamelessly juggles his life between two women. Of course, one of them (played by Fay Spain) is paying all the bills and listening to his baloney. Brad's plan is to simply dump her and go with the other. Period and no regrets.
There's only one Hitch, and pardon the pun. Leslie (Spain) is not so willing to let him go, and claims there will be dire consequences. Joyce Meadows plays Janice, his other love, who also plays for keeps.
Watch what happens, if you dare.
A fabulous tale, written by William Jerome Fay, who shot to fame after he wrote the "Man From the South" story starring Peter Lorre and Steve McQueen. Remember? He penned 14 solid episodes for the master of suspense.
Fay Spain, who began her career as a card dealer in Reno, was the queen of 50s cult films, later in many top tv shows. In the 70s, best remembered as Mrs. Roth in the GODFATHER, PART II. Fay is a knockout in this role, perhaps her best part ever on tv.
Great late night soap opera material. SEASON 4 EPISODE 18 remastered dvd box set. 2008.
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